Lung Association Applauds Passage of Bill that Allows Maryland Schools to Stock Asthma Medication

Statement for the American Lung Association in Maryland, in response to passage of House Bill 86 sponsored by Delegate Regina Boyce and Senate Bill 180 sponsored by Senator Katie Fry Hester, that will allow schools in Maryland to stock asthma medications for use for a child in respiratory distress:

“The American Lung Association is grateful to Delegate Regina Boyce and Senator Katie Fry Hester for their tireless advocacy, leadership, and commitment on ensuring every child in Maryland has access to lifesaving asthma medications in schools,” said Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association.  “Specifically, the bills allow schools to maintain a supply of asthma medications, which students with asthma or who are in respiratory distress can use if necessary. Asthma can be a deadly disease if flare-ups are not treated immediately.” 

Dr. Christy Sadreameli, American Lung Association National Medical Spokesperson and Maryland volunteer said, “this law will ensure students all over Maryland can access albuterol, a life-saving medication for asthma, in school. I am so proud of Maryland for joining the growing number of states with similar legislation.  As a pediatric pulmonologist and a mother, the knowledge that kids in our state will have access to this important medication during their school day gives me so much peace of mind. I think we can all breathe a little easier knowing this policy now exists. It was a pleasure to join with other health professionals and organizations to get this important law passed.” 

Asthma impacts millions of lives and has a tremendous impact on our nation’s healthcare system and economy. In the U.S., over 25 million Americans, including 5.1 million children have asthma. Asthma is also responsible for more than $80 billion annually in economic costs and causes more than 5.2 million missed school days and 8.7 million missed days of work nationwide. 

Additionally, Casper also said, “Now that this law has been passed, the American Lung Association encourages schools in Maryland to take the next step and put in place policies that allow the school to stock asthma medications. The American Lung Association as part of its Asthma Medications in Schools project has resources and a free training, ‘Stock Asthma Medication: Implementation Guidance for Schools’ and we look forward to partnering with the Maryland Department of Health as they develop and implement the policies.”